COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan announced Friday that he has decided not to run for Ohio governor next year, removing the biggest hurdle to the nomination of former state Health Commissioner Dr. Amy Acton.
Mr. Ryan, 52, was considering running after fellow Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, a former college football coach and mentor, withdrew from the race. The 10-term former congressman was expected to leverage the strong statewide reputation he gained in the presidential race. Lost Senate bid to the current vice president JD Vance In 2022.
“After careful consideration, much prayer and reflection, and long discussions with my family, close friends, and advisors, I have made the decision not to run for governor in 2026,” Ryan said in a statement.
Ryan’s decision is good news for Acton, who served as Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s state health director during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
Acton, 59, has been traveling around the state ever since. launch her campaign In January. In response to Ryan’s postponement, she made it clear that her message would focus on: Republican- and Trump-supporting Republicans. Vivek Ramaswamy About the economy.
“The special interests that run our state are doing well, but they are leaving the rest of us in chaos. I will not allow billionaire Washington insiders like Vivek Ramaswamy to lead us down an even worse path,” she said in a statement. “I’m running for governor because it’s time for change. Together, we can lower costs, give Ohioans a little more breathing room, and build the Ohio we all deserve.”
Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, former co-chair Republican support for President Donald Trump’s DOGE initiative strengthened soon after its launch start his campaign In February, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a veteran politician, out of the race and block a bid It was by DeWine’s hand-picked lieutenant governor, former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel. DeWine helped pave his own path by Nominate someone you think is the best candidatethen a lieutenant. Gov. Jon Husted to Vance’s vacant Senate seat.
As of August, Mr. Ramaswamy had a huge cash advantage over Mr. Acton, reporting that he had raised $9.7 million compared to Mr. Acton’s $1.35 million.
He and Acton are seeking to succeed DeWine, 78, who has a term limit. He and Acton acted as a team during the first salvo of the coronavirus pandemic, appearing side-by-side daily in widely watched television briefings. Acton was often the face of the administration’s sometimes aggressive efforts to protect against the disease. Ohio’s 2020 presidential primary canceled And gyms and fitness centers are closed across the state. The judge later called it “oppressive.”
While these actions alienated some of Ohio’s electorate, they also reassured the broader public. receive praise from other states.
Katie Seewer, a spokeswoman for the Ohio Democratic Party, said the party is encouraged by Ryan’s decision and is ready to move forward with electing Acton.
